A body recovered from a plane that crashed in the English Channel has been confirmed to be footballer Emiliano Sala.

David Ibbotson, who was flying the plane when it crashed while flying from Nantes in France to Cardiff on Wales on Monday January 21, remains unaccounted for.

The plane was located, with Mr Sala's body aboard, following a search by privately-funded teams.

Tonight a Dorset Police spokesman said: "The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7 February 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala.

"The families of Mr Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

"HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police.

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"On Monday January 21 2019 a plane carrying both men was flying from Nantes to Cardiff when it lost contact with Air Traffic Control, north of Guernsey.

"Sadly a search and rescue operation was unsuccessful in locating the plane and the two occupants. Subsequently AAIB and privately funded search teams were deployed to the relevant area. Using specialist equipment the teams succeeded in locating and identifying the plane and recovering Mr Sala's body."